It takes some mechanical know how – maybe even some engineering.

It takes brute strength like a bodybuilder, yet grace and footwork like a dancer.

But most of all, it takes courage.

Get yours ready and join in the “Twas the Night Before Christmas Bed Race” Friday, Nov. 20 in Downtown Mocksville.

In addition to the race, there will be a parade of beds, Christmas music, and lighting of the oak trees and buildings. The event draws hundreds – maybe thousands – to town every year.

Jordan Hendrix, one of the volunteers who helps coordinate the race, hopes teams will sign up and get their beds ready with a holiday theme.

“We want people to have good themes,” she said. “We’re letting teams pick what they want to be.”

WXII TV will enter teams again this year. Show them what Davie County is made of.

“We’re promoting team challenges. Get signed up and challenge a competitor,” she said.

A team meeting is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5 at Mocksville Town Hall.

To register, call the town hall at 753-6700.

Each team consists of four people pushing the bed, with one riding. They go head-to-head – or bed to bed – against another team. The first place overall team will received $200, the runner up $125 and third place, $75. The “Most Outrageous” team gets $50, as does the “Most Creative” and the slowest. The “Total Package” prize of 450 goes to the team with the best overall package, the best overall appearance,, bed decorations, message and costumes.

“We’re going to get the crowd into it,” Hendrix said. “We want them to pick their favorite team.”

The beds – inspected prior to the race for safety and adherance to the rules – must have four wheels that stay in contact with the road at all times. They must be at least three-by six-feet and not bigger than six- by eight-feet, including handles. Teams should be ready by 6 p.m. for inspection prior to the 6:30 or so start of the race. (The start varies by a few minutes to allow for live television coverage.)